One month after the end of the recent crisis that shook the regions of Osh and Jalalabat, ACTED looks beyond immediate humanitarian needs in order to support the people of the Ferghana Valley in their efforts to recover from the conflict and start rebuilding their lives.

On 10 June 2010, violent conflict broke out in the Ferghana Valley in South Kyrgyzstan. In less than 10 days, at least 400 people were killed, 2,000 houses were burnt, and many others were looted. This conflict led to the displacement of approximately 400,000 people, of which nearly 100,000 crossed the border to seek refuge in neighboring Uzbekistan. ACTED, who has been present in the region for over 10 years, was able to rapidly and effectively set up humanitarian response mechanisms to respond to the needs of an estimated 560,000 refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and affected populations. Today, with ongoing persecutions and intimidations throughout the region, the situation remains tense. ACTED now turns towards the future and starts reflecting upon its strategy to support local populations and help avoid a renewed conflict in the coming months.

Life in South Kyrgyzstan after the June events

The recent fighting in the region poses serious threats to the future stability of the entire region. The city of Osh has changed a lot since its days as a place of relaxation and fun, where people from neighbouring regions and countries would gather for weddings and other joyful events. Tensions and distrust between communities have reached a climax, and are still very palpable. Normal life has not yet resumed, as the main trading centres, such as the Osh Bazaar, have not reopened since they were burnt down. Parks, theatres, public baths and nightclubs that were previously lively and bustling are now deserted, even on weekends. Many restaurants and businesses have closed down, as their owners fear regular intimidations, and even racket. After the 9 pm curfew, all retreat to their homes, and the only sound in the streets is that of the police sirens roaring by. In this context, and according to Luca Pupulin, Programmes Director and acting Emergency Response Team Coordinator for ACTED in the region, it is essential to take rapid action to avoid a renewed outbreak of violence, and a possible risk of Balkanisation of the region.

ACTED’s emergency response in the region

ACTED was among the first international NGOs to resume its activities following the recent conflict that shook South Kyrgyzstan, acting as one of the main relief organisations in Jalalabat and Osh regions. The NGO has played a central role in evaluating and responding to the immediate humanitarian needs of affected populations. A complaints mechanisms has been set-up at ACTED’s office to ensure that the needs of all beneficiaries have been met adequately.

Since 15 June, ACTED has focused on meeting the immediate needs of returnees, IDPs, host families as well as the general affected population. With support from the World Food Programme (WFP), ACTED has carried out food distributions for approximately 300,000 beneficiaries in Osh, Jalalabat and surrounding areas. In addition, with the support of several United Nations agencies, ACTED has supplied Non Food Items (NFIs) such as tents, water containers, blankets, mattresses and cooking implements and hygiene kits to affected populations and host families. Finally, ACTED has carried out a number of Cash for Work programmes to assist returnees and IDPs in generating an income while clearing up rubble from streets, markets and damaged houses.

ACTED has also played a central role in coordinating humanitarian relief efforts from different organisations, especially through the work of mapping of the needs and of information management with the REACH programme. ACTED conducts a series of assessments to determine the recovery needs of returnees, IDPs, host families and the general population throughout the region. ACTED is a key partner in the UNHCR Joint Shelter Assessment, which has evaluated the situation and needs of each of the 2,000 families whose houses have been damaged or destroyed by the conflict. This assessment has been completed in less than 20 days. In the coming days, ACTED will launch a programme to provide 500 of these families with semi-permanent warm, safe and comfortable homes. Several studies have also been conducted to determine the water and hygiene needs of affected populations living in rural areas. Finally, ACTED is also now leading an interagency assessment on the impact of June events on livelihood in all of South Kyrgysztan, with a focus on the impact of the conflict on small businesses, microfinance clients, farmers and agricultural producers.

ACTED’s future perspectives for supporting the recovery of the Ferghana Valley

ACTED will continue using its resources to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of crisis-affected populations. In parallel, ACTED has partnered with Save the Children to propose a longer term Action throughout Southern Kyrgyzstan (Osh, Batken and Jalalabat regions), aiming at preventing further escalation of conflict, promoting reconciliation and economic development.

ACTED therefore proposes to help revitalise the economy of the Ferghana Valley and fostering local growth in rural and urban areas though a comprehensive action. This will specifically target farmers, small businessmen, agro-traders and MFIs through a variety of trainings, cash grants and loans. ACTED also plans to support farmers and small businessman by providing them with equipment, materials and technical expertise to help re-establish business linkages.

The future months will be key in determining the future of the entire Ferghana Valley. It is essential to continue helping affected populations recover from the violence. It is also important to start working to revitalize the region’s economy and address sources of conflict in both rural and urban communities. Despite the extent of destruction, the dire economic situation and the daily tensions, ACTED has no choice but to be optimistic, and continue to work for a brighter future for the populations of South Kyrgyzstan.

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